Status Of Assamese Macaque In Nepal

In Nepal, the Assamese macaque lives in a variety of habitat types, including river basins, subtropical hills of Sal forests, mixed deciduous forests, temperate broad-leafed forests with rocky outcrops, and steeply sloped forests along rivers. This monkey inhabits mountains and hills along the Himalayas. It lives in Nepal at elevations ranging from 380 to 2,350 meters. Recent records indicate the presence of various macaque troops in far-western Nepal, about 300 kilometers west of their previously known range.

This was recorded in Nepal's protected Annapurna Conservation Area, Makalu Barun National Park, Langtang National Park, and Shivpuri-Nagarjun National Park. Outside the protected area, Dhading, Myagdi, and Palpa districts have also recorded its presence. The IUCN Red List category lists the Assamese macaque as an endangered species. Hunting, habitat loss, and fragmentation all contribute to its decline. In Nepal, the National Wildlife and Wildlife Protection Act 1973 protects this species' legal status. CITES Appendix II is also included.

In 2007, researchers conducted a survey spanning 113 km in Nepal's Langtang National Reserve. The study area of 944 square miles yielded a total of 213 Assamese macaques in nine groups. Troop sizes varied between 13 and 35 individuals, with an average troop size of 23. This species is native to Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The scientific name of this species is Macaca assamensis, and in Nepal, it is also known by various names such as Pahare Badar, Kalo Badar, Pupa, Timnyau, and Kalaganda monkey.

I was in the upper area of Nagarjun Forest in Shivpuri Nagarjun National Park when I saw about 8 Assamese macaques sitting peacefully in a big tree. After observing the macaques consuming wild fruits on the ground, I successfully captured these species on camera.

Features

The Assamese macaque has light yellow-brown to dark brown pelage. The facial skin ranges from dark brown to purple, as well as light black. The hair on the cheeks points towards the ears, while the hair on the crown splits in the middle. The shoulders, head, and arms are paler than the hindquarters, which are gray. The tail is well-haired and short. They have amber or light-colored eyes. They often have white fur on their bibs and bellies. The males’ head-to-body length ranges from 51 to 73.5 cm. Females can reach up to 59 cm in length. Adults weigh between 5 and 14.5 kg, while females weigh between 8 and 12 kg.

This monkey exhibits greater variability in its facial color, whereas Rhesus monkeys typically have a reddish-brown face. Assamese macaques have a more brownish-grey coat, while Rhesus monkeys have a lighter brown or grayish coat.

Habitat and breeding

Assamese macaques are omnivores and spend a significant portion of their time feeding. They eat leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, shoots, wild fruits, caterpillars, and sometimes other animals such as small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and spiders. They also target crops such as maize, rice, wheat, millet, potatoes, and cultivated fruits.

Assamese macaques, like other Macaca species, have cheek pouches. These pouches store food for later consumption. This allows them to stuff their mouths with more food than they can consume in a single sitting. Assamese macaques search for food during the day and sleep at night. They spend most of their time in large trees. They also walk on the ground when necessary. They travel less than other Macacas and stay close to their home range. Their daily job is mostly to search for food.

Like all macaques, the Assamese macaque exhibits a variety of call types. There are many types of contact calls. Identified vocal calls occur within and between species during infant weaning and during a range of emotions, such as anger and playfulness. They can also communicate extensively through their facial expressions. They are shy, timid, and less aggressive toward humans than rhesus monkeys.

Assamese macaques usually breed between October and February. After 165 days of pregnancy, the mothers have a baby of about 400 grams. Babies are born between April and June. The time interval between births varies between 14 and 23 months. Males invest heavily in their children's care.

Associate Professor at the Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xinjiang, China Dr. Sabina Koirala has been researching monkeys in Nepal since 2012. According to her research, protecting the Assamese macaque, which is on the IUCN's red list in Nepal, requires educating local communities and government officials about the differences between the Assamese macaque and the Rhesus monkey. This will help prevent unscientific management practices and retaliatory killings.

Threats

Human activities have affected the habitat of this macaque, which is located outside Nepal's protected area. People hunt it for its skin and meat. This monkey’s conservation in Nepal faces significant challenges. It creates menace because it damages farmers' crops.

The National Wildlife and Wildlife Protection Act 2029's sub-section 1 states that anyone who kills or injures a protected wild animal faces a fine of one lakh to five lakh rupees, a prison sentence of one year to ten years, or both.

(The author is a wildlife photographer. Photos used in this article are by the author himself.)